Sandbach-based Bathgate Silica Sand is aiming to install a floating solar photovoltaic array on land near Arclid Quarry to offset its high energy costs.

The company plans to set up the development on an artificial lake created by previous mineral extraction, to the east of Arclid Sand Quarry.

It has now requested an environmental impact assessment (EIA) screening opinion from Cheshire East Council.

EIAs consider the environmental effects of major development proposals and help councils decide whether to grant planning permission.

Developers can check if they need an EIA by requesting a screening opinion from the council before they submit a planning application.

A letter submitted by Stephenson Halliday, on behalf of Bathgate Silica Sand, states: "The core purpose of the proposed development is to offset the high energy costs and carbon emissions associated with Bathgate Silica Sand's existing quarry operations through low carbon and locally sourced energy.

"The proposed development will help to deliver energy security for the operations on site, insulate on-site operations from unpredictable energy costs and support the long-term viability of the quarry which has a long-standing role in the local economy."

The document says the proposed development would have a maximum likely generating capacity of up to 400kWp.

And it adds the total land-take for the proposed scheme would be approximately 0.45 hectares – this would include the permanent footprint of the proposed development, and temporary area required for construction.

It says the site forms part of a working quarry and is not allocated for any other purpose, nor is it located within an environmentally sensitive area.

The company says, in the letter, it has assessed the proposal against the EIA regulations and 'it is reasonably concluded that, for the purpose of the regulations, the project would not result in any significant adverse environmental effects due to its nature, scale and location or a combination of these factors'.

It adds: "It is our informed view that the proposed development does not constitute EIA development and, as such, any planning application would not need to be accompanied by an environmental statement."